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FAMU Lifts Suspension of Marching Band

Posted byBy ABS Contributor | Published on: | Updated on June 28, 2013 CommentsComments (0)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University is lifting the suspension of its famous Marching 100 band following a fatal hazing incident in 2011.

The band, known for its marching appearances at presidential inaugurations and Super Bowls, had been suspended since death of drum major Robert Champion in Orlando after the Florida Classic, a rivalry game between FAMU and Bethune-Cookman University.

The hazing scandal led to the retirement of band director Julian White and contributed to the resignation of president James Ammons.

Interim President Larry Robinson announced the end of the suspension Thursday.

The school made several changes to fight hazing, including new academic requirements for band members and a zero-tolerance policy that has prompted complaints from some students.

The university last month hired Sylvester Young to rebuild the band. Young is a FAMU alumnus and one-time director of the Ohio University marching

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